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With heavy hearts, The Water Institute dedicates this special newsletter to honor the life and legacy of Amy Wold — our colleague and friend who passed away May 29, 2025.
“Amy brought heart and an unwavering dedication to the truth to her work—first as a journalist, then as a colleague, and always as a fierce advocate for Louisiana’s coast and communities,” said Beaux Jones, President and CEO of The Water Institute.
“For eight years at The Water Institute, Amy shaped how we share our science with the world—with integrity and deep insight. She was a patient teacher, a fair critic, and a loyal friend. Amy’s quiet influence is everywhere in this work, and her loss is deeply felt.”
Amy's Coastal Stewardship
Amy’s dedication to improving understanding of science and strengthening coastal resilience earned her deep respect among colleagues and partners. In 2021, the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana honored her as a champion of the coast, awarding her its prestigious Coastal Stewardship Award.
Her Work at The Water Insitute
At The Water Institute, Amy helped document the organization's early research, culture, and development, crafting press releases, newsletters, and outreach materials that translated science to the public and all our stakeholders. Her efforts helped bridge the gap between research and real-world impact, as seen in projects like the FEMA Cooperating Technical Partners Special Project, which was named a top-three finalist in FEMA’s 6th Annual National Recognition Program in 2022.
Amy's Environmental Journalism Career
Amy had a rare talent for combining science-based research with compelling, relatable storytelling, providing trustworthy information during some of our region’s most challenging moments. From the aftermath of hurricanes to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, Amy’s work helped shape public understanding of coastal resilience and recovery in Louisiana.
After moving to Louisiana from the Pacific Northwest in 1999, Amy began her journalism career at the Houma Courier before joining The Advocate, where she served as an environmental reporter until 2016. Her coverage of Louisiana’s coastal land loss and major disasters—including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav, and Ike—played a critical role in elevating public awareness and advancing conversations about long-term resilience in the Gulf South.
This tribute features a selection of Amy’s work, including landmark reporting and contributions to the field of coastal science communication. It also includes a collection of her photography and snapshots of her time with friends and colleagues. Many of us remember that Amy preferred being behind the camera — unless she was showing off a particularly great costume. In addition to being a storyteller and a researcher, Amy was a keeper of memories, capturing the moments she found important, inspiring, or as she would say, “just plain cool.”
As we continue our collective work toward a more resilient future, Amy’s commitment and love for coastal Louisiana remain embedded in our mission.
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